Planning a trip through the numerous islands of Thailand can seem frustrating.

There are over a thousand Thai islands and they all have something different to provide.

The big developed islands have lots of accessible tourist attractions, and the little uninhabited islands have raw, untouched natural beauty.

To make your trip-planning much easier, go to the bigger islands that have a diverse series of landscapes and activities and explore them thoroughly.

Among the most gratifying islands to go to is Koh Samui, the 2nd biggest island in Thailand after Phuket (click the link to read our detailed itinerary posts).

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is a huge island covered in forest and fringed with beautiful beaches.

Koh Samui has actually had a track record for being quite ritzy and pricey.

There are lots of luxury resorts, expensive hotels and getaway packages that attract the wealthy, however recently the more local, economical side of Koh Samui is beginning to surface area.

Backpacker hostels, street markets, low-cost trips and a long list of tourist attractions are beginning to pull more young budget plan visitors to Koh Samui.

The classic touristy Thai culture, with its Buddhist temples, Muay Thai boxing matches, and Ladyboy cabarets, is cost effective enough that backpackers have the ability to travel Koh Samui without investing a fortune.

Soft white sand, gleaming blue-green water, and towering coconut palms make Koh Samui look like a postcard, and now the island is more affordable and available than ever.

There are plenty of things to do in Koh Samui on a budget plan, and a lot of nice hotels and restaurants to suit those with more cash to invest.

The island's natural beauty will amaze anyone, and there is so much Koh Samui sightseeing to do to fill a schedule of a couple of days or even a few weeks.

Here is a list of the finest things to do in Koh Samui, Thailand.

1) Book a Tour to Ang Thong National Marine Park

This is quickly among the best things to do in Koh Samui, and in the whole Gulf of Thailand.

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Ang Thong National Marine Park is an archipelago of 42 islands, each one rugged and special.

Throughout the park you can find limestone cliffs, rocky caverns, thick jungle, lakes and rivers, waterfalls, reef, lagoons, treking trails and sandy beaches, all linked by the lively blue ocean.

Emphasizes in the park consist of the Emerald Lake, or "Thale Nai", a green saltwater lake in the middle of the jungle, beach hotel Koh Sam Sao, an island with amazing snorkelling, and Koh Mae, an island with a steep hike that causes a scenic viewpoint.

Fortunately, Ang Thong is well safeguarded as a national forest, so exotic wildlife can grow and human advancement never ever violates its borders.

Just tour boats that are authorized by the government are allowed to go into, so visitors can not access the park without reserving a tour.

There are lots of respectable tour companies providing budget friendly and extremely fun trips around the archipelago that include snorkelling, kayaking, and relaxing.

BONUS-- Intrigued in reserving a trip online? Use the coupon code "NMDSKLK" on Klook when taking a look at and you'll get $5 off your first reservation!

BOOK THIS TRIP ON KLOOK

Ang Thong National Marine Park Thailand

A few of the lots of rock formations at Ang Thong National Marine Park

2) See a Mummified Monk

Wat Khunaram is a Buddhist temple in Koh Samui famous for its mummified monk.

This sight isn't for the faint-hearted, as it is actually a dead body on display in a glass case. But it is quite fascinating for those who are interested.

Buddhist monk, Luang Pho Daeng, passed away in 1973 and his body is now a source of wonder for regional Thais and Buddhists in the location.

He passed away while sitting in a meditative position and his remains is in remarkably good condition for somebody who passed away over forty years ago.

Be sure to follow correct gown code when checking out any temples in Thailand (no shoulders or knees revealing).

Location: Na Mueang, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84140

Hours: 7 am to 5 pm, open every day

Expense: Free

FOUND OUT MORE: This post informs you whatever you'll ever need to know about travelling to Thailand!

3) Visit the Huge Buddha

The Huge Buddha must definitely have a place on any list of things to see in Koh Samui.

Formally known as Wat Phra Yai, this Buddhist temple complex lies on a small island off of Koh Samui's northeastern coast.

The enormous golden Buddha sitting at the top of the temple stairs is 12 meters high and was built in 1972.

If you're flying into Koh Samui you can often see the huge Buddha from the plane.

The temple premises also host a small market with souvenirs, interesting clothing and religious accessories on sale.

Place: Big Buddha Beach, off Route 4171, Bophut

Hours: Open throughout the day, every day

Expense: Free

Big Buddha, Things To Do In Koh Samui

Looking up at Koh Samui's Huge Buddha

4) Enjoy a Thai Massage

Thai massage is an ancient recovery practise that is revered all around Thailand.

Though the massage isn't as unwinding as standard massages, it is supposed to revitalize the body and feel incredible later on.

Trained Thai masseuses bend and twist your body into odd positions throughout a massage, and this gets the blood flowing and soothes in addition to reinforces your muscles.

There are lots of day spas all over Koh Samui, so examine them out if you feel like treating yourself.

5) Try Stand Up Paddleboarding

With ocean landscapes as stunning as Koh Samui, do your finest to invest as much time in the water as possible.

For a relaxing and laid-back yet active day in Koh Samui attempt stand paddleboarding. (You can schedule your SUP experience here.).

Paddleboards are heavy and durable, so they are easy to balance on even if it's your very first time.

This is a great way to soak in the views and invest quality time with the ocean, and it is a family-friendly activity.

Try paddling at sunrise or sundown to beat the heat and see the sky's natural colours dancing above the water.

BOOK A SUNSET SUP TRIP.

PERK-- Interested in booking a tour online? Utilize the discount coupon code "NMDSKLK" on Klook when having a look at and you'll get $5 off your very first booking!

6) Laze Away on one of Koh Samui's Beautiful Beaches.

You just can't check out Koh Samui without visiting a few of the island's attractive beaches.

Chaweng Beach is the most popular put on the island, with tons of Koh Samui attractions and nightlife surrounding the beach.

If you're wondering what to do in Koh Samui, hit Chaweng Beach first, then figure the rest out from there.

Lamai Beach is the second most popular beach, and however it is less congested and a lot more relaxing than Chaweng.

Coral Cove Beach is charming for snorkelling and is concealed in a small bay behind a hotel.

Choeng Mon Beach is located on the north of the island near the Big Buddha, and there are great deals of nice hotels and beach bars up here.

Lipa Noi Beach is the most kid-friendly of Koh Samui's beaches, as it has shallow, clear water and hardly any coral or rocks.

Basically every beach here has silky white sand and coconut palm trees offering shade, and the water is clear and revitalizing everywhere too.

Select any beach on Koh Samui and you'll feel like you're in paradise.

Chaweng Beach Things To Do In Koh Samui Thailand.

The hectic shores of Chaweng Beach.

7) Check Out the Secret Buddha Garden.

The Secret Buddha Garden is one of the most intriguing Koh Samui destinations.

Back in 1976, a local farmer called Nim Thongsuk started developing the garden by establishing statues around his land.

Years later, the statues of Buddhas, other deities, animals and random creatures have actually taken over and the lush jungle gardens supply a nice background to all the art work.

Invest an hour strolling through the serene green forest and appreciating all the fascinating statues; there is a sense of secret here that is interesting.

Some experience tours around Koh Samui stop here as part of their travel plan, though you can likewise drive on your own.

Location: Off Route 4169 at Baan Saket, Thanon Dhupatemiya, Na Mueang, Koh Samui.

Hours: 10 am to 5 pm, open every day.

Expense: 80 Baht.

LEARNT MORE: Don't miss out on all the very best things to do in Ao Nang when you remain in southern Thaiand!

8) Taste Local Food at the Chaweng Night Market.

For some of the very best street food in Koh Samui, head to the Chaweng Night Market.

This is among the busiest locations on the island, so the market is full of things to see and is packed every night with residents and tourists alike.

Sample tasty local snacks for insanely inexpensive prices, or even get a square meal for less than 2 USD.

The marketplace is mostly consisted of food, however you can also discover some clothing, jewellery, and other traditional souvenirs on sale also.

Location: 14/102 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach Road, Chaweng, Koh Samui, Suratthani 84320.

Hours: 5 pm to 11 pm, open every day.

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